It might look like just another photo of a couple enjoying their time in the sun—two people basking in the moment, seemingly in love, away from the spotlight. But when you learn what was happening behind the scenes, it becomes clear that the story of Tom Jones and Marjorie Wallace was anything but ordinary. That image now feels more like a snapshot of a scandal that would ultimately cost Marjorie her Miss World title and leave a lasting mark on her legacy.
Tom Jones, one of the biggest stars of the 1960s and ’70s, was no stranger to controversy. Known for his deep voice, smoldering looks, and suggestive lyrics, Jones embraced the role of a sex symbol. He openly admitted to sleeping with up to 250 women a year during the height of his fame. He had flings with celebrities like Mary Wilson from The Supremes—an especially bold move during a time when interracial relationships were still taboo in much of the United States.
Despite his wandering eye and fast-paced lifestyle, Tom was married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, for nearly six decades. She stood by his side until her death from lung cancer in 2016. The couple had a long-standing “don’t ask, don’t tell” understanding while Tom was on the road. Though it’s unclear how much Linda knew about his affairs, it’s likely she had her suspicions. Biographer Sean Smith once said, “From the very beginning, he was not exactly Mr. Faithful.”
Out of all of Jones’s romances, none drew more attention—or more consequences—than his involvement with Marjorie Wallace.
Born on January 23, 1954, Marjorie was a multi-talented woman: an actress, model, television personality, and beauty queen. Her stunning looks and captivating personality made her a rising star. After her parents divorced when she was just 14, Marjorie began to rebel. She once took off on a spontaneous 1,200-mile road trip to Miami, a move that symbolized her free spirit and hunger for adventure. Still, she was no stranger to discipline—she was a competitive swimmer and cheerleader in high school.
At 17, she moved in with a guitarist from the band Pure Funk, which immersed her further into the world of music and rebellion. But everything changed in 1973, when Marjorie made history by becoming the first American woman to win the Miss World title, beating 53 other contestants at London’s Royal Albert Hall. It was a major milestone, and the beginning of her time in the global spotlight.
Just a few months later, in December 1973, she met Tom Jones in his dressing room at the London Palladium. She was just 19, and Tom was immediately charmed. They went out that evening and ended up at the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. In a romantic gesture the following month, Tom bought identical bracelets—one for Marjorie and one for his wife Linda, whose birthdays were close together.
Although Jones had been linked to many women, something about Marjorie stood out. He reportedly told friends, “This one could really affect me.” Their chemistry was undeniable, and in 1974, they traveled together to Barbados for a television special about Miss World. But things quickly unraveled when they were caught kissing on the beach. The scandal exploded, and Marjorie was stripped of her crown. She and Tom both denied being in love, but the damage was done.
To make matters worse, Marjorie was already engaged to Peter Revson, a well-known American race car driver who competed in the Indianapolis 500 and Formula One. Despite the engagement, she continued her affair with Tom Jones—a situation that infuriated Eric Morley, the founder of Miss World. Marjorie’s public behavior was deemed inappropriate for someone holding the prestigious title, and her reign was abruptly cut short.
The situation took a heartbreaking turn when Peter Revson tragically died during a practice run for the 1974 South African Grand Prix. He was killed in a fiery crash and pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital. At the time of his death, Revson was wearing a gold locket that Marjorie had given him. It was engraved with the words: “If not for you…”
Marjorie’s love life, once full of promise, had become a storm of scandal and sorrow. She had found herself at the center of a love triangle that collided with fame, public scrutiny, and tragedy. The scandal didn’t just cost her the Miss World crown—it changed the course of her life and left a cautionary tale in its wake.
In the end, what started as a glamorous romance between two stars became a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and lost potential. And that once-innocent vacation photo? It now serves as a haunting reminder of the price of fame—and the power of secrets hidden behind the flash of a camera.
